Grease is the word at castle
AN al fresco sing-along screening of Grease will take place in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle in a special summer treat.
The castle in Northumberland will provide the dramatic backdrop to some big screen action in August when it hosts four open-air cinema nights, with a double screening of the 1978 musical hit starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Also showing on the double bill will be Sam Mendes’ war epic 1917, part-filmed around the North East.
Bamburgh Castle reopened from lockdown on July 6, and expects high demand for its cinema nights after its blockbuster screenings last year, which included Bohemian Rhapsody, were a sell-out.
Audiences will notice some differences this time around, however, due to the need to comply with social distancing requirements.
The screenings will have reduced numbers to meet safety measures so there will be limited tickets.
They will take place on the castle’s Inner Ward courtyard lawn, with 1917 to be shown on August 14 and 21, with Grease on August 15 and 22 – audiences for the latter film are encouraged to dress up as well as sing along to the action.
The films will begin shortly after sunset and audiences are welcome to settle down with a picnic, although glassware will not be allowed within the castle grounds.
Refreshments will be available to buy from a fish and chip van and there will be hot drinks on sale from The Guru Coffee Company. There will even be a mobile bar on site.
Karen Larkin, events manager at Bamburgh Castle, now open to the public daily from 10am to 5pm, said on planning the screenings: “It was a bit touch and go as to whether or not any events could go ahead, so it’s lovely to be able to put on amazing events like these for people to enjoy after such a rollercoaster time.
“The feedback we received after last year’s events was phenomenal people still talk about them now, so we are all looking forward to more blockbuster cinema nights at Bamburgh Castle once again.”
Tickets, priced £19, can be bought via www.bamburghcastle.com